The River Arts District Artists (RADA) invite locals and visitors alike to celebrate creativity and community at RADFest 2025, a two-day festival featuring live music and DJs, art demonstrations, open studios, local food trucks, and family-friendly activities throughout Asheville’s River Arts District (RAD). RADFest 2025 will be held November 8-9, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Admission is free and everyone is welcome.
RADFest holds a special place in Asheville’s recovery story. The first RADFest, held in the wake of Hurricane Helene, marked the district’s first major event after the storm’s devastating floods. At that time, only a handful of studios had reopened, while dozens of artists sold their work from pop-up tents. The overwhelming public turnout demonstrated the community’s enduring support for the arts and its recognition of how essential creativity is to Asheville’s identity.
This year, that spirit of resilience continues to shine. With more than 500 artists now working in reopened studios and galleries, and an outdoor art market of more than 100 displaced artists, RADFest 2025 showcases the rebirth and strength of the River Arts District. Visitors are encouraged to explore, connect with artists, and take home original works that reflect Asheville’s rich creative traditions.
“RADfest is proof that creativity doesn’t just survive hardship, it transforms it,” says Jeffrey Burroughs, RADA President. “The River Arts District has always been a place where imagination and community intersect, and this year’s event reminds us why art matters. It brings people together, inspires hope, and keeps Asheville’s creative spirit alive.”
For more information, including event maps and artist listings, visit RiverArtsDistrict.com/RADFest.
